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June 18, 2006
Washington State & More
For some reason legislators at both the state and federal level think we need to be protected from online poker houses that are we're told run by organized criminals, money launderers and persons unknown who just want to steal our money. Our children need to be protected from online gambling as well as those who are 'adicted' to gambling.
While it is true that online poker houses are all based overseas and beyond the reach of US Law and the courts. It is not true to claim that they somehow offer a less wholesome gambling experience than brick and mortar casinos in the United States. Obviously the first factor regulating their conduct is reputation. The first time somebody can prove they were ripped off customers will depart in droves. Secondly the countries that host these online ventures take regulation very seriously, the largest two (Pokerstars and Party Gaming inc.) are based in Britain where regulation of gambling is excellent. Party Gaming Inc. is also publicy listed on the London Stock Exchange will all the responsibilities for proper reporting and conduct that that brings.
I've heard it claimed that the Federal Wire Act prohibits online gambling. I've yet to find any supporting case law for this claim. This law was intended to prohibit wagering on sporting events using a telephone. If indeed federal law prohibits online gambling then why is so much effort being expended to try and pass new laws to further outlaw online gambling. In any case no current or proposed federal law targets the players. These laws relate only to the use of credit cards and wire transfers by casinos.
The real shame is that brick & motor casinos cannot offer the depth in terms of games or range of buyins that are offered online. I can't go play a $1 sit-n-go at a real casino or a $1 6000 player multi-table tournament, or for $3 play my way into the world series of poker main event. These are all games that could only be offered online. Locally I can find hold'em tournaments twice per day, these are $50 buy-in games with only space for a limited number of players. At $50 poker is a lot less fun than $5.
If the Washington State Legislatures intent is as they say to protect players and children then why on earth make it a felony to play online. They try to soften the blow by saying that a likely sentence for a first offence would be less than 90 days in state prison rather than the 10 years technically possible under state sentencing guidelines for a class C felony. They chose not to mention the loss of job prospects & civil rights that comes with a felony conviction or indeed why somebody who played a hand of cards deserves any punishment at all. Why was this law passed with no public consultation ? for some reason the lawmakers felt it was best that we not know about it until after it became law denying citizens their right to participate in their own government.
I hope that our legislators will see sense and realize that we're not a bunch of crooks because we want to play card games with a few online friends. Until then I'll see you in the freeroll games.
I'll continue to host this Blog for those who want to contribute your stories, bear in mind I may be forced to close it down if the state believes I'm promoting online gambling. I hope the ACLU & EFF will be around if that happens.
As a footnote a poll by KIRO TV shows 86% of state residents are opposed to making online gambling illegal.
Posted by terry at June 18, 2006 02:54 AM
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